Removable Stove Top Protector

ABSTRACT

It can then be removed in one piece or sections, to be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher. Once cleaned, it can be reinstalled on the stovetop, eliminating the need to clean the stovetop proper and protecting it&#39;s finish from damage. This removable stovetop protector is meant to last the lifetime of the stove.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to protecting a stove top from damage related tobaked-in food splatter, and for easy cleaning of kitchen stove tops.

Most electrical and all gas stoves use separate burners, and duringcooking food splatters in between the burners on the stove top, leavingbaked-in spots and making it hard to clean the stove.

This is the reason for the introduction of electrical radiant heat glasstop stoves.

Although these stoves are easier to clean, they are expensive and lesssturdy in use than conventional gas or electrical stoves withconventional burners.

So the problem of easy cleaning and protection of conventional stovesremains.

Current art consists of stamped metal rings, usually thin un-temperedaluminum. These rings fit over each burner and can only cover the areaaround the burner, not the entire stove top. In addition, the rings arehard to clean and usually have to be replaced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is a one piece of fairly thick (0.063″-0.080″) aluminumor stainless steel that is precisely cut to fit around all the burnersand cover the entire stove top. It can easily be removed for cleaningand because of it's sturdy construction can be vigorously scrubbed toremove stains. It can also be cleaned with strong agents, such asacetone, without the risk of damaging the stove.

Unlike the current art, it will last the life of the stove.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Shows the general shape of the invention, the one shown is cutto fit the Kenmore series of gas stoves.

FIG. 2: Shows the flat version with no bends (like the prototype). Thisdrawing shows the “pan” version as well with edges bent up for morecoverage. Both are compared in this figure.

FIG. 3: Shows the “take down” variant.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

This invention is manufactured from flat sheet of aluminum or stainlesssteel and cut to fit between the burners and cover the entire stove top.It will be expected that the invention will be manufactured to thedimensions of each make of stove, and will be sold with the stove, oroffered as an aftermarket accessory cut to fit a wide variety of stoves.

The prototype was plasma-cut to size out of 0.063″ Alcad 2024-T3aluminum. The material should have some temper to resist bending. Theprotype has been in use for over six years with no sign of wear.

To use, the owner simply places the device on the stove top and removesit to clean, either in a sink or outdoors.

In the case of gas stove, the device is placed under the removablecast-iron grates and on the stove top.

Ribbing or embossing is not needed if the material is of sufficientstiffness and is not recommended because it would be harder to scrubcompared to a flat surface.

As previously mentioned, Alcad aluminum or stainless steel is preferred,but it can be made out of any type of sheet metal. If plain steel isused, it should be painted with a stain and heat resistant paint, orcoated with ceramic or enamel. It could also be molded from ceramicmaterial, or even molded from plastic if a suitable plastic could befound to resist heat. It is fact, however, that stainless steel or Alcadaluminum would be the most cost effective material.

The prototype was plasma-cut, but the device can be stamped out fromflat sheet metal with a conventional press as well.

If Alcad aluminum or stainless steel is used, no special coatings arerequired as well.

In summary this invention, though very simple, will make the liveseasier for people who slave over and have to clean conventional stoves.

Another variant of the design is shown in FIG. 2. This variant has it'sedges bent up to conform with edge of the stove top. The bent up sectionis around the entire edge including the corners, and has the appearanceof a shallow “pan”. The advantage of this variant is that it will coverslightly more of the stove top and it will increase the stiffness of thepan.

It will be more difficult to manufacture because it would have to bestamped from a die, but this can be done easily if desired. Once again,other embossing of the cover is not recommended, but this design can bemade from slightly less thick aluminum or stainless steel.

FIG. 2 shows both the original flat and “pan” version for comparison. Aspreviously mentioned, my flat protector has been in use for over sixyears with no problems and I routinely clean it with acetone, MEK, orlacquer thinner to minimize scrubbing.

Another variant of this design is shown in FIG. 3. This variant issimilar to the “one piece” “pan” and flat design, but has incorporatedfour overlapping seams to allow the cover to be removed in four separatesections. This allows the cover sections to fit in a standard dishwasherfor cleaning. This can be done for “pan” and flat versions.

This is for users who do not want to use acetone or other harshchemicals to clean it. The seams should overlap and not butt together,as this would leave a seam for dirt and stains to build up on the stovetop.

This variant will be more difficult to manufacture, but would give userthe option of easier cleaning. This variant of course could still becleaned with harsh chemicals if needed, and should be of sufficientthickness.

1. A sufficiently stiff, heat resistant material such as aluminum,stainless steel, or painted steel or ceramic coated steel made toconform to the shape of a particular stove top, and to lay on saidstovetop matching all contours of said stovetop, with only the burnersprotruding the material, offering protection to the stovetop during use.It then can easily be removed for cleaning.
 2. Above named material canalso be made with a bent up circumference to conform with thecircumference of the stovetop if desired.
 3. Above named material canalso be made in smaller sections with each section overlapping thepreceding section allowing complete coverage of stovetop, yet can beremoved in smaller sections. This can be done in simple “flat” edgevariant or with bent up circumference. The smaller sized section can beremoved for cleaning in a standard dishwasher.